Page 43 of Without Warning
“Already checked in and waiting.Cronus and Delphi are en route.”
“What about Lydia and the kids?”
“Krystal messaged.They’re heading to the airport now.Colton is in Texas working.According to Krystal, he wasn’t too happy about it, but Lydia pleaded with him for this.”
“Good.Now to get my girl here.Did the jeweler deliver everything?”
“Yes, sir.On your desk.”
I enter my office and spot the bag from the exclusive jeweler.Reaching inside, I pull out the box and flip it open.A massive pink radiant cut diamond sits at the center of the engagement ring, with more than seventy natural diamonds surrounding it and the matching wedding band.It’s over the top and perfect for my wife-to-be.It combines her love of pink with my need to let everyone know she’s mine.
I close the box and slip it into the drawer before heading into the annual board meeting to discuss not only the future of the company, but also fight with them over the fact that I’m not making Daphne sign a prenup.I will be signing one instead to protect her inheritance that will go to our children.I don’t want her money, but I want her to have all of mine.If she ever divorces me, then it’s my fault, and I don’t deserve this company.
This company was built on family values, and that’s what it will remain.It’s one of the main reasons I didn’t offer my brother-in-law the job.He’s always had a me, me, me attitude, and I’d rather promote from within than bring in someone selfish from the outside.
ChapterEleven
Daphne
I’m leaving the aquarium as my phone rings.My parents will be flying in tomorrow, and I’m nervous about introducing them to Darrell, but it’s time.
“Hello,” I answer as soon as it connects to the Bluetooth in my Jeep.
“Hello.Is this Daphne Placer?”
“It is.”
“This is Sapphire with your doggy daycare.A gentleman came in trying to pick up your dogs.He said he was your boyfriend, but we didn’t have him on file, so we wouldn’t release them.And he’s not the man who’s been coming in with you lately.He did leave you a bouquet of flowers.”
“I’m on my way now.”
I dial Darrell, hoping he’s not in a meeting.When Jethro answers, I know I’m not that lucky.
“Hello, Daphne.Can I help you?”
“Someone just tried to pick up my doggies, claiming they were my boyfriend.I know it wasn’t Darrell because they left me flowers.”
“Let me get him.Wait for a call back.Your detail should be notified.”
“My detail?”I figured he had security on me, but I didn’t know I had my own detail.
I take off out of the parking lot, heading for the daycare.Before I walk in the door, Jada is standing beside me.I remember her from the gala.Her dark hair is pulled into a braid down her back.Today she’s dressed in a black suit.
“Ms.Placer, remember I’m Jada, your personal bodyguard.Jethro called me.May I come in with you?”
I like that she asked.“Yes.”
We enter the facility, and sitting on the counter is an elaborate bouquet of lilies.I’m glad it’s still in its bag.
“Don’t open it.I’m severally allergic to them.”
“So is one of our techs.That’s why we didn’t remove the plastic covering,” the attendant says.
“I’ll take them outside to search them, then I’ll be right back.Did the man leave?”Jada asks the woman before she takes the arrangement in her hands.
“He did.He wasn’t happy and went out to his van.He came back in with these after we told him we wouldn’t release the dogs.He told us they weren’t children, and that it shouldn’t be so hard to get a couple of mutts.He seemed very put out.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.”
